What am I missing? Pre/power gain and input sensitivity.

Thanks for the confirmation, guys. No matter how much I read and think things are obvious, I start to doubt myself.

With standard digital outputs being so high it almost makes sense to use a lower gain amp so you don't need to attenuate the signal so much (all other things being equal).

I guess what I was missing is how different things are with analog. I didn't fully appreciate just how much gain MC phono stages need just to get some of those low output cartridges amplified to 300mV. So with an analog system of course you would need some gain in the preamp. While at typical listening levels you may not need it, it would be a shame if your system was limited to only what you absolutely needed.

I do know I have a big blind spot when it comes to vinyl. As a kid, once I got a Walkman, I switched to cassettes over 45s on a Fisher Price record player. I started collecting CDs in college and am now streaming more than I ever thought I would. Couldn't bear to listen to a cassette the last time I even bothered connecting my tape deck. My main objection to vinyl is the ticks, pops, and noise. I'm easily distracted. The nicer systems with well cared for records may sound incredible (haven't had the pleasure), but the price of entry to get to that level is quite a barrier (as well as not owning any records).

Right now I'm using a Schiit Saga+ (unity gain) as an inexpensive interim preamp while I explore some different power amp and speaker types. I think as long as I don't try any really inefficient speakers or go for face melting SPL I should be okay. For now. 

Remember that preamps tend to have fixed gain stages internally.

So how did we get into this situation, too much voltage from digital players and too much gain in preamps and amps, and how do we get out of it?

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I've been reading some of these discussions, and had to chime in here, as I've been trying to get to the bottom of what constitutes a good match preamp to amp as well.
I am finding it comes down to gain, output impedence of preamp to input impedence of amp, voltage output of preamp, and input sensitivity of amplifier. Transconductance apparently comes into play with tube preamps as well.

Here is a link from Steve Deckert at Decware that describes these factors: https://www.decware.com/paper55.htm

I currently have a Decware Torii Junior, 20 watt tube amp, and Canary Audio C630 tube preamp. Looking to replace with a Rogue Audio RP-7.

 Cannot get above 86dB spl at 10’ without pushing both units above 70% full throttle on some recordings. But at these sound levels, the music is liquid velvet, gorgeous. Just want a little more headroom, and volume.

Canary output impedence: 1600 ohms; Torii Jr Input impedence 100k ohms

Also, Decware amps are set to 2 volt input sensitivity, compared to industry standard of 1 volt or less.

These two specs reveal this is probably not a good match. Lower output impedence (50-100 ohms) matched with a high input impedence (100k+) is a happier balance. Higher max output voltage on preamp and higher gain helps as well.

Of course for those of you who have 100 watt+ amplifiers, this is all a moot point.

Enjoy hearing good sound! Like a gourmet meal!